Apply for Graduation

All students must file a graduation application online to initiate the graduation process, whether planning to participate in the commencement ceremony or not.

Filing the application will initiate a formal review of credits and requirements by the registrar's staff. Please click on the below link to be directed to the student portal and complete your application. 

Graduation Application

Deadlines

The deadlines for submitting the graduation application are as follows:

  • October 15: May Graduation
  • April 15: August Graduation
  • June 15: December Graduation

Failure to submit this application on time will result in postponement of the conferring of the degree until the next graduation period.

Commencement Exercises

Participation in commencement exercises requires the fulfillment of all degree requirements.

Financial Obligations

A student with an outstanding financial obligation to the University will not receive the diploma or an official transcript until all obligations have been met.

Note: The Graduation Application Fee can be found in the Miscellaneous Fees section at Tuition & Fees | Notre Dame of Maryland University

Honors at Graduation

Degrees with Latin honors are conferred on students who achieve the following grade point average based on work at Notre Dame:

  • Summa Cum Laude: 3.90
  • Magna Cum Laude: 3.70
  • Cum Laude: 3.50

To earn honors at graduation, students must earn a minimum of 60 credits in graded coursework at Notre Dame.

This excludes credits earned in Pass/Fail courses (including standardized testing, petitioning for credit and transfer). Students are limited to four Pass (P) grades on graded (A-F) courses.

 

Business Office Balance

Students with an account balance due to Notre Dame of Maryland University will not be able to participate in the Commencement ceremony.  Please review your student account on a regular basis and coordinate with the Business Office as needed.

Venue Information

The 2026 Commencement will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Baltimore Convention Center.

Vendors

The NDMU Gift Shop will remain open during commencement week events.

Personal Belongings

Graduates should refrain from bringing personal belongings (purses, cell phones or other electronic devices) to commencement. There is no secure location to store these items, and they should not be carried into the ceremony.

Neither the University nor the venue will be responsible for lost personal items.

Accessibility

Please take a moment to let us know if there are any specific accommodations or support services you or your guest requires (accessible seating, captioning services, accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, etc). Email us at: accessibility@ndm.edu

Check-In

Graduates should plan to arrive at the Baltimore Convention Center by 9:00 a.m. on Level 4 at the check-in desk.

Graduates do not receive a ticket, and will receive a card listing your name as it appears on your diploma and Latin Honors (if applicable). DO NOT LOSE THIS CARD. 

When you walk to the stage, hand your card to the reader before your name is announced. Please do not add or erase any notations on the card.

Procession will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m., and the ceremony will conclude around 1:30 p.m. 

Ceremony Program Order

  1. Prelude Music and Processional
  2. Academic Procession
  3. Invocation
  4. The National Anthem
  5. Presentation of Honorary Degree
  6. Commencement Address
  7. Presentation of Mullan Distinguished Teacher Award
  8. Presentation of Candidates for Degrees
  9. Investiture in Academic Hood
  10. Bestowal of Degrees
  11. Student Response
  12. Presidential Closing Remarks
  13. Benediction
  14. Alma Mater
  15. Recessional